Discussion

Toronto - Best Pho recommendations?

I just want to see what everyone's opinion on the best Pho, the viet noodle, in Toronto is. I'm talking specifically the 'rare beef noodle' pho. I've tried many restaurants in downtown Toronto like 88, or Train head, etc and they're not so great. Like some doesn't include enough veggies (or herbs), some gives really crappy beef, and some gives crappy noodles. As far as the soup goes, they're all pretty much the same to me.

So far, the only place I enjoy pho is at Finch and Midland (in Scarborough). I don't remember the name of it, but there is only one. The Cantonese pronunciation of the place is 'yune jok yuen'.

IMO, Golden turtle is grossly over-rated. Just because Susur Lee used to frequent it during after hours or on his day offs does not guarantee food is always great! The broth of GT is no where near the dense and tasty version of Pho 66 on St Claire west at around Weston road. The noodles, the beef, briskets, beef balls etc as well as the condiments are all superior. Only complain is that the place is a bit run down. Pho Hung used to be my favourite as well until I discovered Pho66.

Just had lunch at Pho 66. Very good indeed. Sweet rich beefy broth, chewable noodles, I had rare beef and tendon with mine. The rare beef was not very rare, the tendon was thick silky and rich. Thanks for the heads up Charles Yu!

Are you talking about Schezuan legend(its the only chinese restaurant that i know of in the area that you're referring to)? Their pho dish doesn't contain any meat or veggies, but their noodles are drenched in their homemade chilli sauce which is spicy and super tasty!

On the persuasive power of the numerous votes for Pho Hung, I had a bowl there this afternoon for the first time. The broth was very watery, although the quality and quantity of the meat was pretty good. But for me it's all about the broth, and I would give Pho Hung a C+.

That's disappointing, but not really surprising - consistency isn't their strongest suit. But one of the reasons I like them is that their noodles usually still have some bite to them - I've never gotten soggy ones. Haven't been in a few weeks, though. However, even on an off day, I'll still take them over Pho Hung. I don't get why people rave about them so much - I just don't think PH is anything special.

Foe Pho Hung, I noticed a distinct difference in the quality of the broth between lunch and dinner. Lunch was great but dinner was watery. May be the kitchen dilutes the broth when business gets too brisk?

Pho Pasteurs meat is outright disgusting. It don't know what cut of the beef it is, but its chewy and turns into mush in your mouth. If you want a vegetarian pho, sure pho pasteur has a nice broth, but if you care about the quality of your m eat then pho hung is far superior. Plus the spring rolls, both fresh and fried are phenomenal at pho hung. the bun however is really poor.

I have been a regular at Pho Pasteur for the last 2 years and I agree that they could do better with their meat quality but they come out tops in other categories.....again I agree with the meat quality of Pho Hung but their broth is a bit off compared to Pho Pasteur.....and while the service is quick at Pho Hung,the attitude almost border's on unfriendly....